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In one of CT's Tips threads, 2nd item down, a "chain pod" is described consisting of a thumbscrew with a hole you drill in it, a 6-foot chain you attach to it, and a foot you use to stand on its end to tension the camera. (You could replace the first five feet of the chain with string for lightness.) See http://kk.org/cooltools/archives/1436

In one of CT's Tips threads, 2nd item down, a "chain pod" is described consisting of a thumbscrew with a hole you drill in it, a 6-foot chain you attach to it, and a foot you use to stand on its end to tension the camera. (You could replace the first five feet of the chain with string for lightness.) See http://kk.org/cooltools/archives/1436

I second the Ultrapod. It folds up small, it's lightweight, yet it'll hold even an SLR steady (as long as it doesn't have a huge telephoto lens). It's also got a velcro strap so you can tie it to a pole or railing.

Have a look at the "pocket series" by Manfrotto: http://www.manfrotto.com/photo-supports-tripods-pocket-series - a Gorillapod is probably a bit more versatile, but these are so small that you can leave them attached under the body of the camera and just forget about it (unless maybe to change the batteries).

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